Edmond Man Sentenced In Food Stamp Fraud Case

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Edmond man who earlier pleaded guilty in a food stamp fraud case was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday.

Muhammad Zahid, 28, was sentenced to serve 24 months by U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron.  Zahid was also ordered to pay $326,307 in restitution.

Zahid was the owner and operator of Ghani Mart located at 2719 N.E. 23rd Street in Oklahoma City.  He was accused of purchasing food stamp benefits for cash at 50 cents on the dollar and then debiting the customer's card for the full dollar benefit.

Zahid was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2010. He pleaded guilty on March 7, 2011, admitting that he unlawfully redeemed a beneficiary's food stamp benefits for cash.

10/15/2010 Related Story:  OKC Business Owners Accused of Defrauding Food Stamp Program